Posted on 02/25/2023 12:54:40 PM PST by TBP
Today is the 122nd birthday of Herbert Manfred Marx (February 25, 1901 – November 30, 1979), commonly known as Zeppo. He was the youngest of the Marx Brothers, appeared on stage after older brother Gummo was drafted, and appeared on stage and in the first five Marx Brothers films.
Zeppo was an essential part of the act. If you don't believe me, check out the letter scene from Animal Crackers. Only Zeppo could have pulled it off. It took a Marx Brotehr to do that to Groucho. Harpo didn't talk and if it had been Chico, it would hve descended into "Why a duck?"
Zeppo was the understudy for all three of his brothers. Who else could convincingly pull off Groucho, Harpo, and Chico?
After he left the act, the Marx Brothers movies featuerd inferior replacements such as Tony Martin and Kenny Baker. Zeppo joined Frnak Orsatti's theatrical agency, and later partnered with brother Gummo as an agent, prompting Groucho to respond to one offer with "You'll have to call our agents."
"Who are your agents?"
"The Marx Brothers."
In addition to his role as an agent, Zeppo Marx was also active in engineering. He established Marman Products Company, Inc. of Inglewood, California in 1941. Marman Products made clamping devices and straps. During World War II, like many other companies Marman was involved in the war effort. As part of this, Marman Products produced the "Marman Clamp", which was designed to secure cargo during transport. It was used, for example, to support the atomic bombs carried on the Enola Gay.
"A Marman clamp is a type of heavy-duty band clamp: this allows two flat cylindrical interfaces to be simply clamped together with a ring clamp. Also sometimes known as a 'Marman ring'. A common use for Marman clamps is their use as a quick-disconnect connector in wide-diameter fuel lines. Another example is their use in space vehicles, for example on the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer on the Cassini orbiter. Marman clamps are found in almost every modern moving vehicle.
In 1948 Marman Products also developed and marketed a short-lived 2-cylinder low-powered motorcycle brand, the 'Marman Twin'."
Zeppo received three U.S. patents. On March 18, 1952, he received the patent #2,590,026, for a Vapor Delivery Pad for Distributing Moist Heat. He also received two patents, #3,426,747, patented on February 11, 1969, and #3,473,526, patented on October 21, 1969, as a co-inventor. Both of these patents pertained to cardiac pulse monitoring.
The Society for Prevention of Abuse to Zeppo has established the Zeppo Marx Unsung Hero Award (ZMUSHA) in his honor.
Happy birthday, Zeppo.
Marx Brothers comedy always amazing and very quick. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BGwSGD-d52Y
I think I like "SPAZ" better than "ZMUSHA".
But maybe "ZUSHA" (Zeppo Unsung Hero Award).
I didn’t name them. SPAZ’s founder did.
I have been proporsing for years a Lifetime Achievement ZMUSHA.
For Herbert Manfred Marx.
I think “ZUSHA”.
Is there any good books to read on the Marx Brothers?
According to those who knew them both, off camera, in real life, Zeppo was far more witty and funnier than Groucho.
In one of his books, Groucho recalled the time in their early years before fame, he and his brothers pooled their money together to buy a car that they were all supposed to share. But the car seemed to work only for Zeppo.
Agreed. That’s a great book!
One of Cigar Aficionado’s earliest issues had an article written by Groucho’s son
(I forget his first name) about the Marx Bros.
A lesser known but much more important fact: today is also MY birthday.
Happy birthday to you
And Zeppo too.
I bet that you’re younger.
He’s older than you.
Hello I must be going
Harpo's autobiography (Harpo Speaks), Groucho's various books of which he wrote many, the biography his son Arthur wrote (son of Groucho), the book Chico's daughter Maxine wrote (Growing up with Chico), etc.
You really have to read more than just one book on them in order to get a more well rounded picture and the truth about The Marx Brothers. Only one book just won't do it.
But my personal favorite is The Marx Brothers Scrapbook by Groucho and Richard J. Anobile. Originally came out in 1973, but has since been reprinted. Has hundreds of rare, old photos and an excellent look into them and their backgrounds before they became famous. Their early vaudeville days are pretty interesting. The book gives quite an insight to the history of vaudeville theater itself.
Trivia: In honor of their mother Minnie (who passed away in 1929 shortly after seeing their movie, The Coconuts), whenever they had a daughter, they'd name her with something that began with the letter "M".
Groucho: Miriam and Melinda
Chico: Maxine
Harpo: Minnie
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